17 Replies - 23439 Views - Last Post: 24 March 2010 - 04:08 AM

Week #11 Challenge: Android

CHALLENGE:
Develop a simple application & interface for an android application. Whether you enjoy programming in Java or not, using the Android SDK still makes it fun!

You don't need an Android phone to try this challenge. The SDK comes with an emulator!

INTRODUCTION TO ANDROID:
Android, as you all probably know, is Google's mobile handset operating system, introduced in 2008, as the first major competitor to the iPhone OS. Unlike iPhone OS, however, Android is available on a plethora of different devices, with different specs, different hardware, etc. Certain manufacturers have even customised Android to suit their handset, such as HTC's "Sense" UI, available on the Hero, Legend, Desire, and many more. In the last year, Android has begun to spread from just being a mobile operating system onto other platforms, particularly netbooks.

IDEAS:

Tabbed note editor (To my knowledge, there isn't even one of these on the market!)

HOW TO GET STARTED:
Getting set up for using Android is a relatively simple task, you can download the SDK from here. From there, you will also find a link to download the eclipse IDE, for which there are many tools & plugins for debugging & getting the best out of your Android application.

Re: Week #11 Challenge: Android

Posted 15 March 2010 - 04:00 PM

I completely no-lifed my day today learning all about Android, and me being the Java person that I am, picked it up really quickly. Thanks gabehabe!

I have been following a series of online Graphics tutorials now in the hopes of creating a game. Well, on my first day, I walk home with an application that moves a custom image of mine to wherever I click.

I don't really want to write an application that I can't even use. Until I have an Android phone, this challenge doesn't really contribute anything useful to me. I may do it when I don't have any projects of my own to keep me busy, but I don't think I'll be getting it done this week. This is a great challenge, and sounds really fun, and the only excuse I have is "I don't want to do it right now."

Re: Week #11 Challenge: Android

Posted 17 March 2010 - 02:54 PM

Remember, the goal of these challenges if for you to try new things. Just because you don't have a need for it, doesn't mean there isn't value in trying it. It may turn you on to a whole new arena that you never realized you enjoyed.